This collection of excerpts is from "Bitter Gold Hearts," Book Two of The Garrett Files by Glen Cook, as indicated by the title page. The narrative follows Garrett, a private investigator, who is initially hired to locate a kidnapped young man, Karl Junior. However, the investigation quickly expands to include the murder of Amiranda Crest, a half-fairy woman, and the manipulation of a ransom payment by Karl's family. Garrett navigates the dangerous underworld of TunFaire, dealing with ogres, sorcery, and political intrigue, all while seeking answers to the mystery and the true perpetrators behind these events.